PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hello I'm new. I am in the insurance requirement phase of getting approval, half way through the six month steps. Hoping to get a surgery date in late May or early June for the gastric sleeve. I have been reading and trying to educate myself as much as possible about the surgery and life after the surgery. I'm in my late 50's and have had weight issues ALL my life, and of course I now have knee pain and my feet are starting to hurt. I do take thyroid meds. I know I'm lucky to not have other health issues but if something doesn't change there will be. My blood pressure runs just under high and blood sugar is inching up every year. Would like to hear from anyone else…

After months of research and discussion I finally decided to tell some family about my plans. I had to explain the surgery in detail to my mum, she is only mid 50s but very old school and doesn't even have a FB lol But after I explained everything she was just so happy. She feels anything I can do to help myself get healthier and live longer is great she fully supports me, I've dealt with my weight about 20 years out of 34 so far! My sister is on the fence she always been healthy fit 5ft10 150lbs, and is gluten free & organic never had any issue with her weight so took a little more discussion but think she's okay now I'm fine anyway I live alone …

Hi Everyone. I'm new here. My surgery is scheduled for Monday and I'm so excited. I feel like I'm going to see my fairy godmother. Fix my body a nd I'll fix my mind. Wish they could fix my mind to but...know only I can do that. I was wondering if anyone else has a issue with sodium or had? Is it still a problem after being sleeved? Or it's not a issue anymore do to the small amount of food being eating? Or is this a question I need to address on another board after surgery? I have heart disease and have had OHS already so I avoid anything salty. Thank you for being here.

Howdy! I'm halfway finished with my dietician stuff and the further I get into the process (which has gone great so far - knock on wood), I still get this nagging feeling that something is going to happen to derail forward progress and result in a delay in getting approved (irrational, yes I know). My insurance company is great, their requirements are little to nothing, I have no weight loss requirements, only dietician visit stuff. I'm not worried about the administrative side, per se. Mainly I'm talking about health-related stuff that could crop up unexpectedly and cause a delay in this post-op process. Has anyone out there had something come up unexpectedly that messed…

I am so so excited to get my Endoscopy done..for a revision or gastric bypass. There has been so many things that I have over came in the last 2 years. My weight is the last thing that I am ready to loose and over come.

Newbie here! I've just had my first appointment with my doctor and he said that i can choose wheter i'd like to have the Sleeve or the Bypass surgery. To be frank i'm scared of them both! I hear that people who have the sleeve often regain weight but i see the fact that the intestines are not re-routed as a huge plus. When it comes to bypass i feel it is better when it comes to controlling diabetes (i'm pre-diabetic) but the malabsortion factor terrifies me because i have chronic pain and need my meds to be absorbed, especially when i have a bad crysis. What are your thoughts on this? Please forgive any mistakes; english is not my mother tongue.

Okay so I have been a pretty loud snorer for a long time. Pretty much once I put on the lbs. Every now and then and I mean like maybe 2-4 times a year I would wake up gasping for air. I never had a sleep study done because we didn't have good insurance. Anyway... gastric sleeve surgery is March 11.. I did tell the doctor I snore but sort of omitted that I had times (not often mind you) of waking up gasping air. As of now it's been more than 6 or 7 months that it happened, maybe even longer. Do you think with being put under anesthesia that I should be concerned? Just looking for some insight. Thanks in advance!

So today they called me and told me that they already got my results for my nicotine test and they were negative , so my navigator told me that she was going to send everything to the nurse and that the nurse was going to call me to get my sergery date!! How many days does it take ir whats next? I have gone to pre surgery class and everything i was only pending the nicotine test

Hi everyone I have a question about GERD. If your upper GI test results show that you have acid reflux, do you have to have the RNY ? Tomorrow I will meet my surgeon about my test results and we talked about the sleeve before I had the test. I do suffer from acid reflux but it’s mostly when I eat certain foods. I really don’t want the bypass and I’m just wondering do you have to go route if the test is positive for GERD. Any advice on this topic would be helpful, thanks

Hello my name is Nicole, and I am new to the group. I am in the earlier stages of the sleeve process. I have my psychologist appointment tomorrow and overall I am really excited to go through this process. However, my husband says he is on board, and will be supportive, but in the next breath he says he wishes I could loose weight the "conventional" way. Like I haven't been trying to loose weight most of my life, like he hasn't been there though all the multiple diets I have attempted and failed. He says that he sees the surgery as me giving up on myself. I see it as fighting for my future. I have seen some success with dieting, but the weight always comes back. …

Wondering if this is common? I had my Psych Evaluation and they are unable to approve me until I got through some behavioral therapy. The Doctor said anywhere from 3-6 months. I am wondering if I can get a second opinion? I have never been to therapy and don't take any medications for anything. I really thought this was just going to be a formality. However, I mentioned about 3 years ago I was obsessed with exercising, maybe to the point of being unhealthy. However, now I am back to exercising a few days a week, and have gotten myself to a healthier balance. Is this standard? Any Advice? Thanks

I'm afraid to get my manometry done on Feb. 19th. And was wondering if any of you had any complications or was it easier than you thought it would be. You really don't have to sugar coat for me I can handle any graphic details. Be as honest as you can. I don't want to go in there and wake up in the middle of my egd like I did. I want to actually be prepared for this one.

My insurance changed! I started my journey November 2018, with a consult with my (then) surgeon at Riverside Medical Clinic. With my (then) insurance, Anthem Blue Cross ***, I only needed 3 month (12 continuous classes) supervised nutrition/weight classes. As of now, I finished 10 out of my 12 classes. Last week I found out my insurance changed to Anthem BC PPO and they now require me to go to a Dignity Health Facility to be covered 100%. Well okay... I call my nearest Dignity Health bariatric surgery center to find out more. I was told at Western Bariatric (St. Bernadine -- San Bernardino, CA) that I needed 6 months of classes and basically restart my journey. I st…

So I’m on day 4 of pre op for gastric bypass and I’m FULL all the time. Just makes me wonder how getting this much protein and water is possible with such a small stomach after surgery. Has anyone else experienced this?

I was approved for the DS and my surgery is 3/29! Any one else getting surgery in March?

Hello, has anyone had a surgery date before the insurance approved surgery? I have a surgery date of 2/12 which is Tuesday and I did all the pre test at the hospital but the surgeon is still waiting for approval. I’m so anxious!!!

So, I am considering having WLS this year and was wondering if they considered Hidradenitis Suppurative to be a Comorbidity requierment, The only cormobidity I have is Gerd and I take Pepcid over the counter for it so im not sure if that would be enough to get me approved for the surgery or not, I currently have Molina Under Medicaid.

I was just reading that it's best not to spend to much money every time you reach a new plateau. Or every 20lbs. I agree. I don't have the money to do that. I don't want to look like a total slob either. (Which is what I think I look like now). A lot of my jeans and shirts have been with me since 20lbs (not years haha) ago. So I can hold on to them for a bit. But I live in Las Vegas and it will be the height of spring when I hopefully will be able to hit the pool again post op. I will buy a new bathing suit every couple of weeks if I have to. Obviously, they will be one piece. But the water is where I am most comfortable and where I have lost so much confidence the past f…

Has anyone had to have their PCP clear them for elevated liver levels? I’m scheduled for the sleeve this upcoming Wednesday and was told yesterday (had final pre-op testing) that I need to have my doctor clear me before I can have surgery per the request of anesthesia. I’ve had the time off approved through my work and everything. The nurse said it really should be fine.....but I’m freaking out really bad. I’ve worked so long and hard at this.

My EGD is scheduled for Tuesday. Today, I woke up with a sore throat, which is usually an indicator I'm coming down with a cold. Do y'all think they'd still be able to do the endoscopy if I'm sick?

30 days till surgery and im excited!!!

NutraSweet, aspartame and most other artificial sweeteners give me migraines. I have a concern when I go on my liquid diet when they say "sugar- free" that I will have a very limited choice when it comes to flavor. I can have stevia, but wondered if there was anyone else out there with this issue and if there were other sugar substitutes that were allowed or what other "sweet" liquids were still on the table. Thank you!

I am super stuffy and worried that is if I have a cold my surgery won’t happen in 8 days. Does anyone have experience with this??

My last appointment was with the psych doctor on 2/6/19... It’s officially been a week since that appointment.. Last step I was advised was submitting to the insurance company for approval. I called the office that Friday & this Monday 2/11/19 to see if things were submitted yet but was told they were still waiting on the paperwork from the psychiatrist. I can’t lie I’m already going crazy wanting to see if things have even been submitted yet.. let alone approved.. Im telling myself to calm down & wait.. I’m trying to at the least give it 2 weeks but geeeezzeee Why does the waiting seem so long? I just want to know the verdict but then idk how I’m gonna t…

I'm going to get my psych eval done today what kind of questions do they ask you, can someone help me prepare?

I just started the process of getting approved for weight loss surgery last month. I went to my first diet class last month too. I have Anthem BCBS and am required to complete a 6 month diet program where I successfully lose weight. Tonight’s my 2nd diet class and weigh in. I weighed myself this morning and I’ve gained 5 pounds in a couple of days time. I’m starting my cycle and I always bloat like this beforehand. Will this gain keep me from getting approved? I’ve been told that I have to show I can lose weight- but what if I gain weight at one of my weigh ins? Thanks in advance for the replies!

I just got my call, I'm approved through BCBS !! My surgery date is 2/14 [emoji16][emoji16][emoji16] I'll be getting a VSG. [emoji119][emoji119][emoji119]

I know a lot of people have questions about the psych eval, so I just wanted to share my experience. My doctor gave me the option of going through BariatricPsychEvaluations.com (Advantage Point Behavioral), so I was able to do my eval via video conference. The appointment was scheduled to be an hour, but it only took 10 minutes (can't believe I paid $200 for that, but that's another story). She asked about my eating habits, medications, education and career, what led to me gaining weight, mental health history, previous traumatic experiences, and my support system (family, friends). I know everyone's psych eval is different, but mine was super quick and easy!

Hey all, I’m just wondering why there is SO much variation from bariatric consultant to consultant when it comes to a pre-op diet. Practices vary massively from very strict, restrictive plans to no requirements whatsoever. Does anyone know what side the research comes out on? Has anyone seen any research on post op experience based on differing pre-op regimes? thanks in advance! NH1

So today I had my 1st dr visit with my surgeon. I attended the seminar on 01/22/19 so this actually my second visit. Today I weighed in @ 257lbs, 39.1 BMI and I’m 5’8. So my insurance requires a 3 month diet program which includes, 3 dr visits, 1 Psych eval and 1 dietician visit. I have already had my upper GI and labs are done. Today the dr. told me everything was fine with my labs. I do have low vitamin D and low B12 , which I was advice to start taking them. I’m also required to have a sleep study and urine test ( I’m a smoker) before surgery. Oh I forgot to mention that I selected to have VSG, which my dr. agrees it’s the best for me. I’m nervous and anxious not …

Any Adelaide people in here had surgery recently in the past year need some questions answered

Hi I'm new to this site. I was denied coverage for Gastric Bypass by my insurance due to my employer excluding WLS from our policy. I cannot afford $20K for surgery in the US so I'm looking at Mexico Bariatric Center in Tijuana, Mexico. Has anyone had WLS surgery through this company? Any suggestions for another group? I want the best care possible, please help.

I’m on what is supposed to be day 5 of optifast but yesterday I lost control and ate food and drank some wine I’m terrified that even if I get back on track now it’s too late and This slip up will effect my surgery.

What are the major differences between regular vs mini bypass? What is dumping? Do your bodily functions change forever? Has anyone had the omega bypass reversed? Any info you have would be helpful. My sleeve has stopped working.

Someone help me !!! I am on day one of my liquid diet and I am starving!!! My doctor didn’t give me any rules just liquid diet 2 weeks before my surgery! I don’t know what to do what I can’t do . I want a pizza sooo bad I really want to order one. What if I chew it and then spit it out ? Someone give me suggestions please

Hello all, I am in need of some advice. So, about4 months ago, I was ready to get the gastric bypass, so I had to do a pre op diet for my insurance to approve it. During that time, I have lost 43 pounds, and need 43 more pounds to go for my goal weight. It s been soooo hard all i eat is meat and veggies. Its crazy! Anyway, a couple months will be my surgery date but now I am having second thoughts. The main reason why I was going to do it was not only to lose weight but get my sugars back in control. I am real close to becoming diabetic, and my surgeon said my chemically needs the surgery. Ah! I am so confused if I should do this or not. I know I can lose the…

Hi All, Anyone have hidradenitis? I haven't had a flare up in a while but of course with my surgery one week away, I just started getting a large boil in my groin area that is leaking puss. Will this impact my surgery date next week? I have been constantly washing with hibiclens so I'm hoping it will subside by next Tuesday. I worked so hard to get here, I would hate to have my surgery delayed because of this. Any feedback to speed up healing or on the surgery would be helpful. Thanks!

Hey all - it's a while since I posted (and I was a newbie anyway so I hadn't posted much). I told myself it was because my surgery was still so far away that it was better to step away from the board and obsessing too much... but in reality it's because I'm anxious because I haven't told my husband and I don't know how to start. The surgery is Feb 5th! We have a few friends who have had the surgery and he is very negative and judgemental, critical and mocking. My main reason for getting it is PCOS - which causes weight gain as well as some other nasty side effects. My hormone levels are getting further and further away from where they should be, and the medicatio…

Did anyone have to do the urine test for nicotine/cotinine test before surgery? I have my test in 4 days and freaking out. Don’t know if I will pass. Have only been smoke free 1 week by test time.

So my PCP said i can't have surgery until i have my kidney stone(s) removed. To be fair the largest is about the size of my thumb. But now I just fear that I will be watching the scale number creep up and will be back to square one. I was so set for the 18th of this month.

What are some things that are must haves to help during your hospital stay? I have heard a handheld massager to shake the gas out.

I am jeff age 35. From iowa Highest lbs is 465. Down to 435 but cant get past it so i went in to a weight loss clinic and jumped the hoops and got insurance approved my surgery. I have a surgery date of May 6th 2019. What can i do to prepare? what kinda of things should i expect after surgery? I am taking the full 6 weeks off . How long did it take to feal like your self some what? Any tips are welcome thanks.

Hello I’m a new to this site and have just a few questions about the process. I already had my seminar 01-22-19 and my 1st official weigh in appointment is 2-12-19. I’ve been told by my insurance advocate that will be time where I can’t gain weight. My insurance is Aetna and they require 3 month diet plan with psych evaluation and a dietician visit. So I guess my question is what has been your experience with Aetna ? What should I lookout for that my hold up my approval. Thanks

Help! I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow and I was so excited after so many months of preparing and so many years of deciding. Suddenly I am scared scared scared! I read someone's blog about their experience right after surgery... ? BIG mistake! deep breath...

So I got approved and hoping I get a January date...anyone else starting their new years on the right track??? If so when??? Drop those dates Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

According to my GP, I am pretty healthy despite Type 2 Diabetes & High Blood Pressure. My GP sent my referral to the surgeon & he accepted me. I've had all my lab tests, Phsyc evaluation & first month appointment met of 3 with the Dietician. Yesterday I had an incident at the eye doctor where he sent me to the ER because of sudden partial blindness in my right eye. No pain, no headache, just an irritable grey haze on the bottom half of my right eye. The ER specialist diagnosed it as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, which basically is a type of stroke at the back of my eye. The nerve that sends a signal from the eye to the brain was damaged. It…

My insurance wants me to be at or below my starting weight before they will approve me for the surgery. I started at 293 and I am currently 305. I have been struggling to lose the weight. Low carbs, working out, even joined WW. Does anyone have this problem? Any suggestions?

Insurance with United Healthcare has been submitted this morning ?????????? can’t wait to get a date!

So it is taking longer for the nurse to call me to schedule the surgery then it was for the insurance company to approve the surgery. It took 3 days for insurance. I found out last Wednesday ( 1/29) that I was approved and the nurse still hasn't called me to give me a surgery date. I'm just annoyed!!!!! Anyone else have this issue?

I had my RnY on January 23rd. I was allowed to do soft foods on day 7 up to 3 servings consisting of 4-6 tablespoons or 2-3 oz per meal. I’m still having excruciating pain on my left side. I’m even moving around the house and avoiding bed until evening. My question is, I had my protein drink about 4:30 and then my supper about 7. Now my left side is unbearable!!!!! Do you think I overfilled my pouch too close together with protein and supper? I don’t even want to think about my third round of protein shake later tonight!